Confederate Veterans in Oklahoma

Abstract

This thesis is an attempt to trace and define the place of the Confederate veteran in the history of Indian Territory, Oklahoma Territory, and eventually the new state of Oklahoma. Although there are scattered records of those veterans who settled in these areas, no attempt has previously been made to gather and compile their stories or define their roles in the building of the state. This is unfortunate for several reasons. First, numbers of Confederate veterans were among those most influential in affecting the transfer of Indian lands to white settlers. Second, substantial numbers of Confederate veterans established themselves in the area, providing needed services and leadership to growing communities. Finally, these men brought with them a common heritage which became fundamental to the growth and progress of the state of Oklahoma. The impact of Confederate veterans upon the development of Oklahoma should not be underestimated. Strong fraternal organizations such as the United Confederate Veterans and the United Daughters of the Confederacy kept them an influential and respected force well into the twentieth century. From their ranks came leaders in business, religious, and professional organizations. That many of the political leaders at all levels were also former Confederate soldiers is not surprising. These men were respected and admired by the people of Oklahoma, and they in turn contributed to their adopted state the best that they had to offer.